If you're caring for an aging parent or a loved one with a disability, you may have heard of Michigan's Home Help Program — but the details can feel confusing. Here's a clear, plain-language overview.
The Home Help Program is a Medicaid-funded program run by MDHHS that pays for non-medical personal care so eligible people can stay safely in their own homes instead of moving to a facility. It's designed for daily, hands-on help — not skilled nursing.
Home Help focuses on everyday activities, often grouped into two categories:
Home Help does not cover medical or skilled-nursing tasks. Those fall under a separate kind of agency (a Medicare-certified home health agency), which is a different program entirely.
Eligibility generally depends on two things:
The level of approved help (the "authorized hours") is based on that assessment.
Families can hire an individual caregiver directly, or work with an agency. An agency handles enrollment, background checks, training on program standards, scheduling, electronic visit verification, and billing — which removes much of the administrative burden from the family.
Not sure where to start? We'll help you understand eligibility and the assessment process — free of charge. Talk to our team →
This article is general information, not legal, financial, or medical advice. Program rules and eligibility can change and individual situations vary. For official guidance, contact MDHHS or visit michigan.gov/homehelp.
